Holy Cross Grinds Out Overtime Win at Xaverian

After his team had scored a hard fought 56-54 overtime win against Xaverian, coach Paul Gilvary put it succinctly and accurately describing the game as "well played but tough". Had he chosen to expand on that response he might have added that the terrific game those in the audience had just seen was typical of what happens in the CHSAA's "AA" division when the calendar marks the end of January and the proverbial stretch drive of the season arrives.
To be sure both teams had moments where there was outstanding execution and skill. For the Knights those came primarily from seniors Will Davis and Mairega Clarke who provided much of the team's offense.  Both are unsigned seniors who are talented enough and play well enough to earn division one interest.  Both players have battled injuries throughout their careers so they're just beginning to find their respective strides.. Throughout the game Clarke, who finished with a game high 19 points, displayed his ability to finish at the rim, connect from middle distance on the baseline, and use his terrific athleticism to rebound. Davis, who added 14 points for the Knights, used his outside shot and his ability to pick his spots getting to the basket. Together, they helped the Knights to a 17-14 first quarter lead and after the Clippers came back for a 24-21 halftime advantage a rally that began when Clarke took an alley-oop pass for a dunk, and ended when Davis split a double team and threw a great "hit ahead" pass to Anthony Libroia for a triple, the Knights had a 43-33 advantage as the final quarter began.
Xaverian would storm back immediately in that final quarter.  A long two pointer from reserve Joe Della Russo was sandwiched around a pair of threes by Dillon Burns to pull the Clippers within two points.  From there, the two teams traded baskets and tough defensive stops in a great fourth period.  In addition to Burns (17 points) and Bernardi (13 points) the Clippers got a terrific effort from Lamel Faison. The talented junior guard who has battled injuries of his own scored 11 points and had several pretty assists. His tough drive for a three point play was one of several that kept the Clippers within striking distance and helped create the opportunity for Bernardi's game tying three pointer that sent the game into overtime. The overtime proved to be a defensive struggle and the Knights got their winning margin at the free throw line.  On the Clippers' final possession, Burns had an open look at a game winning triple but it hit the back of the rim. Holy Cross had their great win while Xaverian, even in a tough loss that broke a three game winning streak, showed they'll be a tough out come playoff time.

Christ the King Holds Off Young Lions 77-71

Jon Severe's steal and driving layup with just under two minutes left gave Christ the King the lead for good as they held off a talented Bishop Loughlin squad 77-71 home win last night. 

            Omar Calhoun's long three pointer that tied the score at 55 and Severe's play that came on the next Royals' possession put the brakes on what had been a furious rally by the Lions who stormed out of the locker room trailing 34=22 and quickly sliced into that margin.  They spread the floor beautifully,  using their quickness to slash to the basket for lay-ups. Khadeem Carrington who finished with 15 points and Jordan Nanton who added 12 provided the primary offensive spark for the third quarter rally and soph Elisha Boone scored during the stretch as well. Their good work and some cold shooting from the Royals made the score 42=39 at the end of three quarters and set the stage for what was as good a final quarter as you'll see at any level of basketball.

            The audience for the game included many coaches and media people who are important to the fabric of local basketball. St. John's head coach Steve Lavin and assistant Tony Chiles, Rutgers assistant Van Macon Xavier assistant Rasheen Davis and MSG Television's Mike Quick were all likely present because the SNY event scheduled for last night at LIU thanks to a silly NCAA rule that prohibits high school games on division one college campuses. While this game may have been the second choice of these guys, what they saw was some great basketball, especially in those last 8 minutes.

            Suddenly, Loughlin's "other" talented sophomore Mike Williams, who came back strong after a first half trip to the trainer's room to address a shoulder injury, found the range especially from three point distance. With the help of terrific penetration and passing from his teammates Williams hit four triples and 21 of his team high 26 points in the fourth quarter. As Impressive as that effort was, it was equally impressive that Christ the King had a strong response for every potential back breaking shot Williams made.  Calhoun, who finished with 30 points answered as he always does, by scoring in a variety of ways while Severe not only continued the hot outside shooting that has punctuated a terrific junior season, but had a great game defensively beyond his clutch steal.  While his perimeter partners for the Royals, Calhoun and fellow junior Isaiah Lewis are talented in their own right, Severe is the guy who gives the Royals a competitive edge with his tough defense and aggressive style at both ends of the floor. Davis came away impressed enough to offer Severe a scholarship.   He finished with 17 points to go with that clutch steal and bucket and the Royals earned a great win against a talented young Loughlin squad that had a great game against the two-time  defending league champions.  Round 3 which may come in the diocesan or inter-sectional playoffs that sets up be a great one between a Loughlin squad that's gaining confidence and a Christ the King squad that keeps its place at the top of the league standings by finding ways to win

Youth is Served as St. John's Beats West Virginia 78-62

            Chalk it up to the exuberance of youth.  Even as they've struggled to four straight losses and a 3-6 Big East record the Red Storm have always brought energy and effort even in moments like the end of Saturday's loss to Villanova where their execution and decision making have faltered. Four straight losses or not, the team was due for a winning effort and they put one together last night with a 78-62 wire to wire win over West Virginia at Madison Square Garden last night.

            An early 9-0 run gave St. John's a much needed 21-6 lead and  another run of 8-0 lifted them to a 36-20 halftime advantage.  As he has all season Moe Harkless paced the Red Storm 23 points and 13 rebounds but unlike the previous games there was lots of help for him.  D'angelo Harrison, who has established himself as the team's second best scorer but had been slumping recently added 19 points including 3 of the Red Storm's 4 three point makes. Amir Garrett, who started in place of junior center God'sgift Achiuwa and gave St. John's an all-freshman starting lineup added 11 points 7 boards and the energy that had always been the hallmark of his play at Findlay Prep. Phil Greene scored 11 as well, added 8 assists and along with Harkless provided answers when West Virginia made their expected run and cut what had been a 20 point deficit to 10.

            St. John's also did an outstanding job taking care of area's that have plagued them as the losses have mounted.  The obvious ones were shooting percentages from both two and three point distances, where St. John's entered the game last in the league and shot 48% and 33% respectively last night. They also played an experienced mountaineer front line even on the boards and committed just 12 turnovers. The most complete effort of their season helped them beat a West Virginia team that had won its last 3 games and helped them overcome a great effort from a local star as senior forward Kevin Jones, from Mount Vernon High had game highs of 26 points and 14 boards as he continues to put together a player of the year caliber season in the Big East Conference. As they prepare to play at Duke on Saturday the Red Storm finally achieved success on which they may be able to build.  As Harkless said the team has been "getting better every game" and this weekend at Cameron will be a test of both the team's progress and their resolve.

Bernardi And Burns Lead Clippers To Second Straight Win

Dillon Burns followed his virtuoso performance against Christ the King with 21 points while fellow senior Brian Bernardi added 18 as the Clippers won at Molloy 67-52 Tuesday afternoon.

After a buzzer beating layup tied the game at 14 at the end of the first period.  From there, he Burns and junior wingman George Lambert lead the Clippers to a 29-9 second quarter that gave them a 43-23 halftime advantage.  The run included two triples and a long two point basket from Bernardi and an array of jumpers and drives by Burns that has become his trademark and helped him to a first-team all city caliber senior season. But while the Clippers shot extremely well during the one perhaps the key difference from the Clippers' home loss to the Stanners was the defense as Xaverian did a much better job contesting shots and keeping C.J. Davis and the other Stanner guards out of the lane.
Molloy, which welcomed back legendary coach Jack Curran after a two game absence with pneumonia made an adjustment as the second half began; going to a triangle-and-2 defense where they used the two chasers to guard Burns and Bernardi all over the floor. It lead to some sloppy play by the Clippers and some transition scoring for the Stanners.  Forwards Marco Kozul and Morrell Gaskins, who finished with 11 points apiece for the Stanners provided the offense during the rally which brought the Stanners to within 7 points in the fourth quarter. But Lambert, who finished with 17 points of his own combined with Burns to close out a needed road win for the Clippers who seem to have gained some traction after a slow start to the league season. Christ the King and Hayes have established themselves at the top of the league but the number of good teams in the middle of the pack means that anything can happen as we come down the stretch and in the playoffs as teams like Xaverian, Molloy Holy Cross and Mount St. Michael's continue to get better the road to a championship for the league's elite will not be easy.

Burns' Huge Effort Lifts Clippers Past Royals

Dillon Burns and t his Xaverian teammates each broke out of slumps in a big way yesterday and the result was a much needed, unexpected and well earned 76-70 home win over Brooklyn-Queens front runner Christ the King. The win snapped a four game losing streak for the Clippers.

Burns who had struggled in league losses to Mount St. Michael and Holy Cross regained his early season form and exploded for 33 points and while he was outstanding from start to finish, he was exceptional during winning time in the last quarter with nearly perfect shooting from the floor and perfect shooting from the free throw line. And as Christ the King made runs at the Clippers behind Omar Calhoun, who finished with 24 hard earned points along with Isaiah Lewis and Jon Severe  who finished with 12 points each, the Clippers always seemed to have answers. And while Burns' effort was the catalyst for the win there were many other contributions that were just as essential to their great effort.

Burns and George Lambert helped the Clippers storm from the out of the blocks to a 27-20 lead and extend that lead to as many as 13 points before the two time defending champion Royals closed the gap to 38-36 at the intermission. Burns' effort was likely aided by the decision to insert Lamel Faison into the starting lineup. Playing in just his fourth game since returning from a knee injury, the junior guard provided a steady hand, got the Clippers into their offense and allowed coach Jack Alesi, to move his best scorer, Burns around the court for good shots.  Talented sophomore Raven Owen also gave the Clippers key minutes and important baskets with his ability to penetrate. Inside the undersized Clippers battled the physical Royals front line and held their own.  Andrew Petric scored 10 points of his own and Stanley Peacock got the Clippers extra possessions twice in the fourth quarter. And Brian Bernardi, who finished with 13 points oh his own diligently followed Calhoun through screens and made him work for every one of those 26 points. To assume that the Royals lost this game because they played poorly would be a mistake. The Clippers played great and snapped their 4 game league losing streak the hard way, beating the Royals. Coach Alesi's teams always get better as the season progresses so Tuesday's game at Molloy will be a true measure of their progress. If they keep getting better, they will be a team the league's powers don't want to face in the playoffs. Christ the King found out yesterday just how good they could be.

Calhoun And Royals Hold off Stanners 70-65

Omar Calhoun's three pointer from the top of the arc with just under 3 minutes left put the breaks on a furious Molloy rally and helped Christ the King earn a road win over the Stanners last night.
The Royals appeared to take control of the game in the second and third quarters, as their quick penetrating guards took the ball to the rim both in transition and in their half court offense.  Behind Calhoun, who finished with a game high 26 points, Isaiah Lewis, who added 15, and a great lift off the bench from junior Malik Harmon, Christ the King's quick pace gave them a seemingly comfortable margin.  After a close first period the Royals opened a double digit lead and were getting contributions from everyone. Jon Severe, who is arguably the most explosive of CK's talented backcourt corps finished with just 10 points but his athleticism and toughness was a key to Christ the King's defense.
While CK's lead was at double digits throughout much of the game, the Stanners got enough from Marco Kozul inside and the combination of C.J. Davis and Christian Giles outside. As the Stanners mounted their fourth quarter rally their efforts were augmented by junior reserve Chaz Watler who hit two big triples and was a factor defensively down the stretch.
After Calhoun's triple and another one by Severe gave CK a two possession lead in the closing moments, the Stanners moved to within 66-63 and gave themselves an opportunity to tie the game in the closing moments.  George Davis penetrated and kicked the ball to C.J. who had a great look at it shot it confidently, and had it spin out. C.J.Davis finished with 15 points for a Stanners team that is continuing to improve despite a tough loss. For the Royals Calhoun proved that in addition to his all-around ability, he is the league's best closer.  His team needed him to survive a scare and he came through like the two-time league champion he is.

Mount Hangs On For Great Road Win at Xaverian

So much for the idea that teams moving up from the CHSAA's "A" division would struggle. In this the first year of the "post Rice" expanded "AA" league the new teams have held their own and two of them have made lots of noise.

The play of Cardinal Hayes has spoken the loudest as they have quickly established themselves as a league co-favorite with Christ the King. But quietly Tom Fraher's Mount St. Michael's squad has made a splash of their own. And following their tough 61-58 road win at Xaverian the rest of the league will no doubt begin to take notice.

Following a terrific road win at St. Ray's and a tough home loss to Holy Cross they came to Bay Ridge and blitzed Xaverian early with a deadly accurate barrage of three point shooting.  They lead 39-27 at the half as Ed Correa poured in 19 of his game high 24 points before the intermission.  They moved the ball, got good looks and made the most of every scramble situation created by an offensive rebound. In those situations the ball was not put right back up at the rim but kicked out  where Mount's other two guards, Anthony Maistre and Malik Gill made great decisions either driving to the basket or reversing the ball quickly and often finding Correa in the right corner for three's and he made Xaverian pay for slow rotations.

Xaverian rallied behind  the scoring of Brian Bernardi. who finished with 21 points and Dylan who finished with 16. Their efforts were augmented by Lamel Faishon who provided solid point guard play again off the bench, and Stanley Peacock who gave them energy and an inside presence that was especially needed because an ankle injury limited Shakeel Kemp's minutes.

The Clippers took the lead twice in the fourth quarter but Mount had great answers including two from Maistre who smartly recognized that the Clippers were extending their defense to the three point line and hit two tough tear drop shots in the lane. Those plays plus defense and free throws sealed a great win for the Mounties and handed Xaverian its fourth straight league loss as they prepare to host Christ the King on Sunday. Mount takes on longtime "A" league rival Archbishop Stepinac on Friday as the Crusaders are coming off their own upset win against St. Ray's.  In a league where every win is both hard earned and precious, both games should be great.

Holy Cross Roars Back for Win Over Xaverian

            Senior guard Marquise Moore scored 21 of his 25 points in the final two quarters as both he and the Knights regrouped from a slow start to post a 58-46 win overXaverian at home last night.

            Moore's performance was a mirror of how his team played last night; with lots of energy from start to finish but at times in the first half settling for jumpers. They trailed 21=20 at halftime as Xaverian also had trouble finding a comfortable offensive rhythm thanks largely to good work by Holy Cross' defense on the Clippers' speedy guard Dillon Burns.

      All of Holy Cross' guards helped picking him up in transition and negating his speed.  They held the senior guard to just two points and gave their offense time to find its bearings. And in the second half, they did just that by driving to the basket.  Moore was the catalyst who began with drives but as the game wore on showed his terrific middle game and then made  three point shots as well. His good work triggered a 13-1 run that culminated by a Maraega Clarke dunk that helped Cross open a lead that they never relinquished. The versatile 6'2" senior is a versatile scorer and a long and active defender who certainly has the look of a D-I prospect. Teams who need a guard who can add scoring punch, length and poise in a spring recruit should stop and take a look, they will find themselves a great kid who fits the bill perfectly.

            Xaverian got 20 points from Brian Bernardi, they struggled to find additional offense with Burns struggling and Shakeel Kemp again in foul trouble as he was against Molloy. The Clippers also marked the return of talented junior point guard Lamel Faison from a knee injury and while he clearly showed some rust he also demonstrated his ability to help the Clippers move the ball with both the pass and dribble which will help them as he plays more.

            Paul Gilvary's Knights have put together a winning season quietly perhaps because of the absence of the proverbial star player.  But with a core of seniors who are all capable of big games, the unheralded Knights have as good a chance as anyone to be cutting the nets down at Fordham in March

Lawrence Transfers From Cardozo

Jermaine Lawrence, the 6'8" forward considered by many to be New York's top prospect in the class of 2013 has reportedly left Cardozo in Queens and will head to Pope John XXIII in Sparta New Jersey to continue his academic and basketball pursuits. Sources said faith based considerations were the primary reason for the move.

Davis' Jumper Lifts Molloy to Big Win At Xaverian

C.J. Davis took a George Davis pass and connected on a baseline jumper that proved to be the game winner for Molloy.  It gave the Stanners a 48-47 lead with 4.3 and after Brian Bernardi missed a runner in the lane the sophomore star would add one more free throw for the final margin.

            The shot was the capper on what was a spectacular game for C.J. who not only finished with a game high 18 points but created much of the rest of Molloy's offense with his pinpoint passing. Molloy also got 14 points from improving junior Marco Kozul and 12 plus 14 rebounds from Morell Gaskins, a senior who has moved from the Stanners' "B" team to carve out an important role by running hard rebounding and catching Davis' passes for scores.

            The Stanners took advantage of early listlessness by the Clippers and nearly blew them out in the first half.  C.J. Davis helped them sprint from the starting gate with two early triples but he spent much of the first half getting Kozul and Gaskins involved, and they rewarded him and the Stanners not only by finishing plays but by getting to every loose ball, contesting on defense and running hard in transition.

            Molloy led 29-19 at the intermission thanks to their great effort and the inability of the Clippers' two best players, Brian Bernardi and Dillon Burns to get make shots they usually make routinely. Bernardi finished with a team high 14 points but needed way to many shots to reach that total while Burns finished with just 9 points.

            Xaverian's effort in the second half was much better and it nearly helped them steal a win. At first it was simply a matter of improved energy that earned them enough second opportunities to offset the poor shooting that continued well into the second half.  Shakeel Kemp played well until foul trouble forced him to the bench and in his absence Stanley Peacock provided terrific energy.

            Throughout the second half, Molloy had answers each time Xaverian made a push.  Both George and C.J.Davis along with Kozul and Gaskins continued to make plays and Christian Giles provided an able second ball handler that allowed C.J. to attack from different places on the court. The Clippers made a final push when Bernardi made consecutive three pointers and gave the Clippers 47-46 lead with just under a minute to go.  It's worth noting that those appeared to be the only three pointers Bernardi shot without a moment's hesitation. And after the two Davises combined on the winning basket Bernardi got caught in between again, driving and putting up an off balance one hander when he had room for a three point attempt. The shot caromed harmlessly off the rim and backboard. With the win the Stanners broke a three game losing streak and handed Xaverian its second straight loss. The Clippers have a tall order to bounce back at Holy Cross on Friday while Molloy will be at St. Francis Prep looking for its second straight league win.

Severe's Record Tying Effort Lift's CK Past Xaverian

              Junior guard Jon Severe tied a school record by connecting on 8 three point baskets on the way to 27 points and helped Christ the King to a 79-67 win over Xaverian at home Sunday night.

              The game showed off incredible 3-point shooting, or a lack of defense depending on an observer's point of view on both sides. Both teams deserve credit because all but a few of the three's taken came from good ball  movement and unselfishness.

              And to their credit Xaverian nearly matched Severe's personal assault on the record books and continued to stay close when Omar Calhoun got going as well.  Brian Bernardi made 5 treys of his own while Dillon Burns added 4 and improving junior George Lambert added 2. It should be noted though that the Clippers stayed close thanks to a huge lift inside from Shakel Kemp.  The senior lefty tied Bernardi for team high scoring honors with 19 points and his work inside meant that despite a first half onslaught that included 6 of Severe's 8 triples, Xaverian trailed by just 41-38 after two quarters.

              Both teams cooled off only slightly in the second half, Calhoun who connected on 5 treys of his own for the game also scored as he typically does with his middle game and Christ the King balanced the offense in the second half with help from Jordan Fuchs who added 10 points and was, as always a force on the boards.  Xaverian hung around and briefly tied the game at 47 on a Bernardi trey early in the third quarter and trailed by just 72-65 with just under 3 minutes left when the Royals got two plays from a guy who contributed very little if one just looked at the score sheet, but was terrific if one watched the game.

              Isaiah Lewis scored just 7 total points and that will likely disappoint some people who see him as the high major prospect he is.  But he was not only largely responsible for the ball movement that helped the Royals shoot such a high percentage but made consecutive plays that helped salt the game away  for the Royals.  First ha made a tough right handed runner in the lane for a basket of his own and then found Severe with a perfect drive and kick pass that was right in the shooting pocket for the last of Jon's 8 triples.  From there CK's defense locked down and the Royals had a needed and very good win as they head off to Springfield Missouri this week while Xaverian looks to bounce back against Molloy at home on Tuesday.